Farnham
Although there are remains of a Roman Villa and bath on a site in Roman Way and pottery kilns were discovered in the 20th century, the modern town of Farnham began life as a Saxon village. From the 7th century Farnham belonged to the Bishop of Winchester. Farnham grew into a town, partly because of a castle that was built in the 12 century by the Bishop of Winchester to be a convenient residence for him halfway between Winchester and London. Farnham Castle is set in Farnham Deer Park which was purchased by the council in 1930. There has been a church on the site of St Andrews since the 7th century. The present building dates from the late 11th century. Waverley Abbey was built near Farnham in 1128. In the Middle Ages the little town of Farnham had a weekly market. In 1619 a man named Andrew Windsor built some almshouses in Farnham which still stand today. In 1649 King Charles 1 stayed in Farnham on his way to his trial and execution in London. The house he stayed in is today the town’s museum.
The population of Farnham today is 38,000. It is a sought after place to live with one of the best state primary schools in England. Surrey Institute of Art & Design was opened in 1969 and there is a very good sixth form college. Farnham is situated on a direct rail link to London taking approximately 1 hour and has good road connections to both London and the North of England. Castle Street lined with beautiful Georgian houses is home to many restaurants and designer shops, there are many hidden cobbled passageways where coffee shops abound.
